The two main charges against Socrates are corrupting the young and also not having the proper religious beliefs. Socrates is being charged by a man name Meletus, who is one of three accusers. Socrates had been accused of making the weaker argument stronger and also about things in the sky and under the earth. While being examined by the poets, craftsmen, and orators, Socrates claims that they really do not know what they think they know and is trying to prove that it’s all false. After analyzing many different texts, it seems as if Socrates could be innocent and guilty at the same time.
Therefore, Socrates must not harm the children. On the topic of piety, Socrates begins with this question: “Is there anyone who believes there are daimonic matters, but does not believe in daimons?” (Ap. 27c). This is relevant because Socrates was accused of teaching daimonia. However, Socrates would not teach daimonia if he did not believe in god.
Why did Socrates not plead for his life? What are the ideals for which he was willing to die? Do you think they are worth dying for? Socrates did not plead for his life because he valued justice and truth more than his life. He rejected his punishments for him because they contradicts to his ideals of truth and justice.
The ancient text Crito by Plato is a staged dialogue between Socrates and Crito in which is attempting Crito offers numerous arguments to encourage Socrates escape imprisonment. Crito emphasizes that if Socrates does not escape, no one would believe that he had cooperatively faced execution. That the people of Athens would fault Crito for not helping Socrates, assuming that he values his money more than the life of his close friend. Crito argues that there are other states in which Socrates has allies that will keep him safe and continues to emphasis that he should not easily give in to his enemies. However, Socrates argues against Crito’s proposal to help using few arguments.
One of the charges in the affidavit written by Meletus against Socrates is that he is an evil doer "corrupting the youth" (Grube). Another charge brought against Socrates is that he is making up new Gods and disregarding the old Gods the Athenians believe in (Grube). Socrates starts his defense by addressing the jury and telling them that his accusers had a prepared speech, while Socrates' speech will be completely improvised (Perel). Socrates continued to further disassociate himself from the opponents by telling the jury to forgive him for his conversational tone in his speech, for that is how he best speaks (Perel). Socrates asked the jury to focus on the substance of his defense, not how his defense is delivered.
Euthyphro – Plato In Euthyphro, there was dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro about the meaning of piety. Socrates has a particular interest in the subject of piety due to his recent charge of impiety. Socrates is about to be tried before Athenian court to determine whether he is guilty or innocent of the charges against him. The charges are for corrupting the youth, inventing new charges, and not believing in the old ones. He does not feel that the people understand the real meaning of piety and impiety.
And to find out some answers, we need to go through Plato’s dialogues, “Crito” and “Phaedo”. This conversation between Socrates and his dearest closer friends and fellows, may bring us some of the answers…if we have the good sense of reading it more than once. After been convicted in Athens for corrupting the youth and not believing in Gods, Socrates was given the chance to scape to another city to save his life.
The Unexamined life is worth living What does it mean to live a good life? Famous Greek philosopher Socrates once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living.” (Plato 30). By saying this, Socrates was basically stating that in order to achieve the good life, one must examine life and question the unanswered thoroughly. Some people may agree with this idea while others may strongly disagree. After giving this question much thought, I have come to a conclusion as to what I believe the good life actually is.
The Definitions of Piety Socrates meets with Euthyphro near the king-archon's court. Socrates explains that he is under indictment because he does not believe in the gods in whom the city does believe in and Euthyphro is present because he has come to persecute his own father for unintentionally killing a murderer. Socrates then flatter Euthyphro about his knowledge on holiness/piety. Out of curiosity Socrates questions Euthyphro about holiness. This leading into the definitions of piety.
6) The subject produces another definition, one that improves on the earlier one. 7) The subject is made to face his own ignorance. This method was used to target fallacies and contradictions within his opponent’s argument and make his opponent aware of the inconsistencies. Socrates’ method was intended to reach a greater understanding of the truth, but not everybody appreciated and shared Socrates’ enthusiasm about his method. Law School is one of the most known platforms for the Socratic method.